Committee Summary for Fiscal Committee (03/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title
Unclear 00:03:38.128 - 10:02:34 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:10:00.000 - 10:08:56 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:12:00.000 - 10:10:56 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:18:38.128 - 10:17:34 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:25:00.000 - 10:23:56 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:35:26.325 - 10:34:22 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Bob Scott, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services Information Only00:03:38.128 - 10:02:34 AM; Commissioner Scott discusses the removal of the Hele Falls dam in Goffstown, noting it is an old structure over 6 feet tall, not grounded in bedrock, and does not meet current safety standards. Options are removal or replacement, but no funds exist for replacement. Funding comes from the aquatic resource mitigation fund and Army Corps of Engineers for wetland restoration post-removal. The department has been working with the town for years, addressing concerns like the pumpkin regatta; removal will alter the river but not eliminate the water body.
Unclear: Representative Leishman Information Only00:05:00.000 - 10:03:56 AM; Rep. Leishman questions the height of the dam and local concerns in Goffstown about activities like the pumpkin festival, noting that removal would lower it to a stream bed. He inquires if the department is collaborating with the town to avoid surprises.
Unclear: Representative Weiler Information Only00:07:00.000 - 10:05:56 AM; Rep. Weiler comments on a similar dam removal in Exeter that resulted in a trickle and asks if the outcome depends on drought conditions.
Unclear: Jay Buckley, Executive Director, Judicial Council Information Only00:10:00.000 - 10:08:56 AM; Buckley presents on item 26064, expressing optimism that this is the last appearance this fiscal year.
Unclear: Danielle Shandhane, Director of Finance, Department of Transportation Information Only00:12:00.000 - 10:10:56 AM; Shandhane introduces herself and discusses the extraordinary snowfall this season leading to high costs, ongoing vacancies at 25%, and management challenges.
Unclear: Alan Hanscom, State Highway Maintenance Engineer Information Only00:12:30.000 - 10:11:26 AM; Hanscom explains how they managed plowing with bonuses, contractors, and employee incentives, generating nearly 100 plows despite vacancies.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only00:13:00.000 - 10:11:56 AM; The member questions future budget management, vacancies, and effectiveness of bonuses and contractors in covering plowing needs.
Unclear: Tom Kemper, Deputy Director of Administration, Department of Justice Information Only00:18:38.128 - 10:17:34 AM; Kemper explains funding from a $10 million surplus and prior $20 million budget allocation to cover outstanding claims, with expectations for additional funds via the Sununu Center. He clarifies that legitimate claims will be paid regardless of settlement method.
Unclear: Kathy Kern-Stewart, Senior Paralegal, YDC Claims Administration Information Only00:19:00.000 - 10:17:56 AM; Kern-Stewart describes current staffing: herself, a full-time legal assistant, and part-time executive assistant, down from previous levels. They are completing administrative tasks, responding to inquiries, and preparing records, with consultants on standby.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only00:20:00.000 - 10:18:56 AM; The member questions the source of funds, noting no new budget allocation was anticipated, and seeks clarification on staffing duties.
Unclear: Jean Mitchell, Financial Audit Supervisor, LBA Information Only00:25:00.000 - 10:23:56 AM; Mitchell introduces the presentation of the Liquor Commission's FY2025 management letter, noting seven findings: five internal controls (one material weakness) and two compliance comments. None require legislative action.
Unclear: Jim LaRivier, Senior Audit Manager, LBA Information Only00:26:00.000 - 10:24:56 AM; LaRivier details observations including material weakness in reconciliations, need for better financial reporting in next-gen system, policies for gift cards, procurement processes for rental space and statewide contracts, compliance with bidding statutes, and filling the finance director position. Recommends formal policies, IT expertise, competition in procurement, and AG opinion on exemptions. Status of prior findings: five resolved, 12 in process, one unresolved.
Unclear: Joseph Malica, Chairman, Liquor Commission Information Only00:30:00.000 - 10:28:56 AM; Malica thanks auditors, concurs with some observations but not all, emphasizing business operations. Addresses non-concurrence on procurement exemption due to economy of scale in contracts including headquarters.
Unclear: Tina Demers, CFO, Liquor Commission Information Only00:31:00.000 - 10:29:56 AM; Demers explains progress on reconciliations, now 70% complete through February, with monthly processes being documented.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:32:00.000 - 10:30:56 AM; Senator Gray questions the plan for unresolved items from prior audits and the lack of progress on reconciliations.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:33:38.128 - 10:32:34 AM; Waters suggests seeking AG opinion on procurement exemptions and potential legislation for clarity.
Unclear: Representative Leishman Information Only00:34:00.000 - 10:32:56 AM; Leishman inquires about timeframe for resolving the 12 outstanding items.
Unclear: Kimberly Bisson, Senior Audit Manager, LBA Information Only00:35:26.325 - 10:34:22 AM; Bisson presents the Lottery's FY2025 management letter with three internal control comments, no material weaknesses or compliance issues. Recommends documenting policies, annual risk assessments, updating business continuity plans, and timely access reviews and training compliance. Prior status: nine resolved, three in process.
Unclear: Charles McIntyre, Executive Director, Lottery Commission Information Only00:37:00.000 - 10:35:56 AM; McIntyre thanks auditors, concurs with all findings, notes being ahead of revenue plan, and plans to hire additional staff to reduce reliance on key employee.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:38:00.000 - 10:36:56 AM; Gray notes completion of pre-2024 items and emphasizes following through on action plans.